Sometimes, the direct route is the divine one. Instead of hiding the fact that you’re tired, simply say, “God, I’m tired.” I remember once, someone yawned during my sermon, and I got frustrated, asking, “How can you be tired? You’re not doing anything!” Later, I learned they had worked a night shift and came straight to church.

It’s hard to understand someone if you only see them at one point in their journey. Some people who seem weak might actually be weary. Have you thought about that? Just because you’re weary doesn’t mean you’re weak. Jesus, the Light of the World, the Bread of Life, the Resurrection, the Door, the Shepherd, the True Vine, and the Way, also experienced fatigue.

Six hours into the day, at noon, he said something unexpected: “I am tired.” This is the incarnation. I worship a God who is strong enough to give me strength and human enough to experience fatigue. I felt this week that some of us need to meet tired Jesus, as his journey didn’t start just that morning. Six hours of walking is a lot—I’ve got a six-hour drive ahead with my kids, and I’m downloading episodes of The Office on their phones just to survive the drive, hoping we stay connected, blessed, and happy.

Jesus didn’t just get tired from that day’s journey. It was hot at noon, and his weariness wasn’t only physical. Was he tired of how people were treating each other? He came to abolish barriers, full of grace and truth. His journey didn’t start in Bethlehem. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word became flesh.” What a journey—from heaven’s sapphire seal to the dusty streets of Samaria. Of course, he was tired.

“Even youth grow weary and stumble, but those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength.” Right now, I’m waiting on God, and I’m weary. I won’t lie. Some of you are tired, too. You’re frustrated and fed up. That’s not a Bible statement, but I know that’s how you’re feeling inside: “I am sick of this. I am tired of fighting battles.”

When I get tired, I don’t laugh. I get irritable. How many of you can relate? It’s like that time in Australia when I almost fought someone after preaching 23 times in four days at Hillsong Church. I was exhausted. Chunks had to pull me back when I was about to swing my elbow. That’s what happens when you’re too tired—you start fighting unnecessary battles, distracting yourself from the real ones. I start fighting people who are trying to help me.

Jesus told his disciples, “Go get lunch. I’ll stay here for a while.” He knew the people they had been fighting against were the ones he came to save. He had to pass through Samaria and sit down because a woman in need was coming, even though she didn’t realize it yet. Jesus sat down because he was tired. You don’t always need to do something. Sometimes, you just need to sit down and receive the truth: the Son of God got tired.

You might feel like you have to be perfect, but even perfection got tired. Faith doesn’t prevent exhaustion, it just gives you a place to rest. Jesus sat by a well—Jacob’s well, passed down through generations. What well do you sit by when you’re tired? What wells are you digging in your own life?